Obama nominates Bolden to be NASA chief

President Barack Obama today nominated former astronaut Charles Bolden to be named the next NASA administrator.

Obama nominated Lori Garver to be Bolden's deputy.

"These talented individuals will help put NASA on course to boldly push the boundaries of science, aeronautics and exploration in the 21st century and ensure the long-term vibrancy of America's space program," Obama said.

If approved by the Senate, Bolden would become the first African-American to lead the space agency.

Bolden could not immediately be reached for comment on his Houston home or on his cell phone.

U.S. Sen. Bill Nelson, the Florida Democrat who flew with Bolden on a 1986 shuttle mission, was one of the former astronaut's biggest backers.

Nelson described Bolden as the right pick to take on the hurdles facing NASA, particularly budget restrictions and the impending retirement of the shuttle.

"Charlie is the kind of dynamic leader I believe the president was looking for and I know he'll meet these challenges head on," he said.

U.S. Rep. Suzanne Kosmas, D-New Smyrna Beach, called the nomination "a positive sign for the future of our human spaceflight program."

"Gen. Bolden's background has given him the relevant management and technical experience to address the great challenges facing NASA today," said Kosmas, whose district includes Kennedy Space Center. "General Bolden is eminently qualified to accomplish this important mission."

Originally, an announcement had been expected after shuttle Atlantis landed, but NASA waved off the landing attempts today due to bad weather. NASA will try to land again Sunday.

Bolden met with Obama on Tuesday morning at the White House to talk over the position, a meeting announced in advance by the White House, which telegraphed at the time that Bolden was on the verge of being picked. Bolden had been on the short list of candidates since Mike Griffin's resignation became effective on Jan. 20.

Bolden flew the space shuttle four times -- twice as a pilot and twice as a commander. His biggest lobbyist in Washington was U.S. Sen. Bill Nelson, a Democrat on key committees overseeing NASA. The White House had pitched other candidates to Senate leaders, including Nelson, but he held firm for his old friend. Nelson had flown with Bolden on a space shuttle mission in 1985.

Garver, a former NASA associate administrator for policy, was Obama's point person on space during his presidential campaign.

Includes reporting by Eun Kyung Kim in Washington and Todd Halvorson at Kennedy Space Center.

About the Image: President Barack Obama meets with General Charles Bolden, right, and White House aides earlier this week in the Roosevelt Room of the White House. The President announced May 23, 2009 his intent to nominate Bolden as Administrator of NASA.(Official White House photo by Pete Souza)